When I was in South Carolina; South Carolinians thought the Derby was about the horses. Found myself in the “Lone Star State” and, Texans thought the Derby was about the horses. Even in Iraq; Middle-easterners thought the Derby was about the horses! Well let me set the record straight. The Kentucky Derby is not about the horses. The Kentucky Derby is about: fashion, food and feverish-festivity!

When you talk fashion and the Derby you are talking fine fabrics and red-carpets!  I mean fashion icons like: The Jackson’s (Rest in Peace Michael Jackson), Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Queen Elizabeth, Michael Jordan and more have graced the paddocks of the Kentucky Derby. The Derby and fashion go hand-in-hand. And, if you go to the Derby, I have three words for you: Dress-to-impress! If you plan on going to the “in-field”…dress how you like; but if you plan on being anywhere around the paddock you better make sure you are dressed super-nice and your date (or spouse) has that all important “Derby Hat” on.

Derby Day is about the women’s hats; hands down. They even have an event for the ladies’ hats! All women are encouraged to attend the: “Ladies Art Night and Hat Party” from 5 to 8p.m. at the Christen Zurkuhlen Gallery on 4/29/2010 (Tamara Ikenberg/ www.herscene.com). The “Derby Hat” is at the top of the hot list but, the food is even hotter.

When you have Food Network celebrities showing up to the Derby, you know the food is going to be good! “Iron Chef” Bobby Flay, among other celebrity chefs will be roaming Churchill Downs so, get your mouth set on the most popular eatery event of the Derby.  Supporting Dare to Care Food Bank - TASTE OF DERBY ™ hosted at the Mellwood Arts Center on Thursday, from 7-11 pm, will be the toast of the town. 

After your Derby day is over; your belly full, put on your party shoes because the best parties in the Ohio Valley will be happening in Louisville on Derby night. From the “Fest-a-Ville” events to the “Derby Red-Carpet” events...you are sure to shake-a-leg...just don't break one!

Bottom-line: Dress Nice, Eat Good and Party Hard! Oh, and bet on a horse if you like.

From Reggie P. to the Party People.

Evening Derby Event Entertainment Information:

http://www.kentuckyderby.com

Media:

Darren Rogers
(502) 636-4461 (office)
(502) 345-1030 (mobile)
(502) 636-4469 (fax)
Darren.Rogers@KyDerby.com

“Fest-a-Ville” Events (4/22/2010-5/1/2010)
Courtesy of: www.kdf.org
• 04/22/2010
Pajama Party

• 04/22/2010
Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park

• 04/22/2010
Running Wild Expo

• 04/22/2010
Taste of Derby Festival

• 04/22/2010
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Tour

• 04/22/2010
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Glimmer

• 04/22/2010
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great BalloonFest

• 04/22/2010
Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront

• 04/22/2010
Bed Making Competition

• 04/23/2010
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Rush Hour Race

• 04/23/2010
U.S. Bank Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow

• 04/23/2010
Running Wild Pasta Dinner & Expo

• 04/23/2010
Fish Fry Friday

• 04/23/2010
Dancing with the Stars: Derby Style

• 04/24/2010
Marathon/miniMarathon presented by Walmart

• 04/24/2010
Da'Ville Classic Drum Line Showcase

• 04/24/2010
TheSlice of Louisville

• 04/24/2010
Saturday Evening Concert Featuring Uncle Kracker

• 04/25/2010
Fifth Third Bank Derby Festival $1 Million Hole In One Semi Finals

• 04/25/2010
Louisville Youth Orchestra Concert

• 04/25/2010
Celebration Sunday with 88.5 WJIE & 94.7 WFIA

• 04/26/2010
Stock Yards Bank Great Bed Races

• 04/26/2010
AT&T Derby Festival Morning Line

• 04/26/2010
Don Fightmaster Golf Outing for Exceptional Children

• 04/26/2010
Discovery Day

• 04/26/2010
HappyTail Hour at Kroger's Fest-a-Ville

• 04/26/2010
Knights of Columbus Charity Dinner

• 04/27/2010
Fifth Third Bank Derby Festival $1 Million Hole In One Finals

• 04/27/2010
Republic Bank Parade Preview Party

• 04/27/2010
Run for the Rose

• 04/27/2010
WineFest

• 04/27/2010
Texas Hold'em Tournament

• 04/27/2010
Ramble for the Roses

• 04/27/2010
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthy Lifestyle Showcase

• 04/27/2010
RhythmFest featuring En Vogue with Midnight Star

• 04/28/2010
Great Steamboat Race Presented by Turner Construction Company

• 04/28/2010
Battle of the Bounce

• 04/28/2010
Derby Festival Wednesday Evening Concert Featuring James McMurtry

• 04/29/2010
Celebrity Luncheon

• 04/29/2010
Republic Bank Pegasus Parade

• 04/29/2010
100 Black Men of Louisville Derby Gala

• 04/29/2010
Tune It Up Thursday Concert featuring Candlebox with special guests Crash Kings Presented by State Farm

• 04/30/2010
Derby Eve Jam Presented by Kentucky Proud

• 04/30/2010
Illumination Derby Ball for Teens

• 05/01/2010
Louisville Urban League Guild Moonlight Cruise